Internship | Beamforming Strategies for Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS) Services in 6G Networks

Currently, wireless communication and radar sensing are two separate worlds. This is partly because radar mainly works at high frequencies (such as mmWave radar at 77 GHz) due to the required resolution and wireless communication currently only takes place below 6 GHz. In 6G, the differences in frequency will disappear, meaning that the configurable software antennas used for communication can also be used for radar sensing. JCAS offers several new functions that are very important in 6G, both for the use of the network itself (such as precise location of the users) as well as for various applications, such as road safety and smart industries 4.0.

Through this internship/ graduation project you will develop the critical components and concepts for a new generation of base stations that will support JCAS. You will especially focus on Dual-scenario beamforming concepts. You are going to investigate what the limits are if we want to do both sensing and communication in future 6G networks. You will further investigate beamforming techniques that support JCAS. As a starting point we will use OFDM and OTFS modulation concepts and investigate other possibilities.

Key activities of the proposed graduation project contributing to beamforming strategies for JCAS includes:

• To conduct a comprehensive literature review on the beamforming concepts for JCAS in mobile networks, in order to establish a solid research foundation, aid in modelling and potentially further sharpen the problem formulation to ensure novelty.
• To define a limited set of challenging scenarios with gradually increasing complexity, which will form the basis for the solution development and assessment.
• To model relevant scenario aspects related to sensing and communication requirements.
• To develop one or more beamforming concept. Formulate one or more heuristic solutions that can be used as a baseline.
• To develop a simulator incorporating model and solution aspects.
• To utilise aforementioned simulator to conduct an extensive quantitative assessment of the proposed beamforming solutions across a range of relevant scenarios.
• To derive key insights and conclusions regarding the beamforming solutions (defining initial system level requirement for 6G JCAS system), achievable performance, the sensitivity to selected scenario aspects and complexity issues related to the algorithm execution itself and implementational feasibility.

The MSc project will be conducted as part of the large nationally funded research programme ‘Future Network Services’, which brings together 50-60 partners for a targeted period of six years. The proposed MSc project / internship is envisioned to involve collaborations/regular interactions with FNS partners.
More info at https://futurenetworkservices.nl/

As a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree, preferably in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, you should possess the following qualifications:

• affinity with signal processing and wireless communication: Demonstrated interest in these areas will be advantageous;
• programming experience: Proficiency in either Matlab or Python (or both) is essential;
• enterprising, flexible, and cooperative nature;
• effective communication skills;
• creativity and innovation;
• knowledge of radar and communication systems: Familiarity with these topics is a plus.

The duration of the graduation project is approximately nine months, although an internship option is also available.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo- and hbo-students, 390 euro for mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:

1. you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
2. the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.

• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.